Abu Sahabi, lives in Saudi Arabia
Updated Feb 21, 2016
Thanks Jack for the A2A..
That was partially true before 30 years or so. When the government had the wrong mindset that it is responsible for the prosperity of every Saudi. Nowadays, everyone must work to live. The government, however, still support and implement social programs to make sure no poor Saudis exist. Beyond that, the market is all open to you ( I literally mean that; beside extracting oil, no big corporations monopolizing the market; starting a business doesn’t cost you much; entrepreneurship is supported with endless efforts from the government) and you can be a millionaire if you worked hard.
As an example of services: if you are an unemployed, the Ministry of Labor will find a job suits your qualifications (in private sector usually) and follow up with your situation. The government as well gives you a minimal monthly stipend (i.e. 600 $) till they/you find a job. Finding jobs are not difficult with the economic booming happening now. As a Saudi, you will find a job and make a living. As a hard worker Saudi you will find a job and make a fortune. Choose whatever path you want.
10 years ago, when I was in the job market, no young Saudi I know who is a hard worker didn’t make it to a top management office with five figures monthly. This was in telecom industry (international and local companies).
As of government jobs, that’s true. I believe some ministries need a restructuring over what they actually need. The issue is: the government can’t and won’t dare to fire Saudis with no valid reason. And there is no valid reason to fire a Saudi from a government job. Sometimes I feel the real obstacle we have to be developed in some sectors is that the government is too generous with us; doesn’t want us to join the ugly truth of working hard day to day to secure a job. Sometimes I feel it is a privilege; I don’t know.
The government has been the first employer for Saudis for a long time. In the near past, Saudis expected the government to employ them blindly. At least now things are a bit difficult and a good number of young Saudis go to the private sector as it gives more money. Most of the people joining government jobs wants it because it is more secure and less stress [ like many other countries]. No one would fire you except when you are i) absent for months with no reason ii) a criminal . Even the later can be revoked by a court certificate stating that you are now good to go. I am not sure about this but I've heard that only the minister has the power to fire a Saudi i.e., your direct boss would only suggest firing you but has no real power.
I believe you can’t build a country out of a bunch of laymen and, as I see it now, the probability to find a young layman is substantially smaller to 15 or 20 years ago. Most of the bright fresh graduates do not even look to the government jobs. They want to work and have money; money is talking my friend; in Saudi or outside.